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A&O Sherman
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Early careers, Singapore

Introduction

In Singapore, A&O Shearman’s early careers programmes offer experience, early responsibility and work, supported by teams who help you build skills, confidence and a career you’re proud of.

Download our Singapore graduate brochure for expert advice, tips, and everything you need to know about our summer vacation scheme and training contract below.

DOWNLOAD OUR BROCHURE

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To excel, we must belong

To excel, we must belong. At A&O Shearman, our culture is built on growth and well-being to make sure that every person, from intern to partner, has the support to excel. From mentorship and collaborative working to inclusive benefits and diversity networks, we are proud of the company culture we have fostered. A culture of belonging, openness, support and compassion.

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More than just a place to work

Our rewards and benefits package is designed to support you at every stage of your career, helping you build a fulfilling professional journey while maintaining a lifestyle that allows you to thrive at work and beyond. We want you to feel confident, supported and proud of what you achieve, knowing you have the resources needed to deliver your best work for clients and teams.

You can expect a comprehensive range of benefits, including medical and dental insurance, life assurance, personal accident insurance and flexible working arrangements. Together, these benefits promote well-being, provide peace of mind and enable you to balance professional commitments with life outside the office.

If you accept an offer of an A&O Shearman training contract, we will also invest directly in your development. This includes financial support through a maintenance grant and full coverage of your Solicitors Qualifying Examination course fees. Where required, we will fund the Postgraduate Diploma in Law and provide an additional maintenance grant during your studies.

Our aim is to create a positive, inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can succeed, grow with confidence and adapt to whatever the future may bring. This commitment reflects our belief in long-term success for people.

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We invest in you

We offer exceptional professional and personal development, providing training, mentoring and practical support. You will have access to mentors and other dedicated points of contact to ensure that you receive the best pastoral care possible. With us, you will constantly be learning and growing.

Our opportunities

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    Summer Vacation Scheme

    Experience global success first-hand. Our Vacation Scheme gives you a real taste of our supportive, dynamic and global culture.

    LEARN MORE

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    Training Contract

    Our training contracts are designed to continually help you evolve and reach your full potential.

    LEARN MORE

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    International Arbitration Internship

    The International Arbitration Internship offers a unique chance to delve into the dynamic world of arbitration.

    LEARN MORE

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Welcome to our law career guide

Whether you’re applying to A&O Shearman, or any other law firm, this hub will provide you with advice, tips and key information on application processes, interview preparation, and assessment days.

EXPLORE OUR LAW CAREER GUIDE

Hear from our trainees

  • "From my first week, I’ve been working on live deals and have been entrusted with real responsibilities that have allowed me to learn quickly and develop problem solving skills, all while working with our colleagues from across the world. My team was always supportive and took the time to explain the background behind the work that I was doing. If you’re looking for a firm that puts you front and centre on multi-jurisdictional matters, and where you’ll be constantly challenged but supported by your colleagues, you’ll love it here."
    Alexander Djanin TRAINEE
  • "One of the best things about working here is the lean team structure. As a trainee, I've been given genuine responsibility rather than simply observing from the sidelines. This hands-on exposure has accelerated my learning greatly. What makes it even better is the people. The office is full of approachable, lovely colleagues who are always available to lend a helping hand. If you're looking for a place to push yourself and grow quickly, this is it."
    Sarah Peh TRAINEE
  • "I really appreciate the rigorous and international nature of the work here. I have been provided with a good balance between responsibility and guidance, creating an ideal environment for growth and development. The matters here usually span multiple jurisdictions, giving me opportunities to collaborate with our overseas offices and broadening my global perspective."
    Liangyan Chen TRAINEE
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More than just a place to work

Singapore is a hub for Southeast Asia, and our Singapore office is an intrinsic part of A&O Shearman’s Asia Pacific network. We offer our clients first-class advice on Singapore law, U.S. law and English law, advising in all the areas in which we excel internationally. Even in the early stages of your career, you will be given genuine responsibility on client projects and have the opportunity to work on cross-border deals. As a trainee, you will make real contributions to impactful global projects.

LEARN MORE ABOUT WORKING IN SINGAPORE

Our frequently asked questions

Do you offer ad hoc internships or direct training contracts in Singapore?

We do not offer ad hoc internships. Our only formal internship programme in Singapore is the summer vacation scheme, which is also the sole route through which we recruit trainees. We do not offer direct training contracts in Singapore outside of this scheme.

From time to time, there may be practice‑group‑specific internships available. These opportunities are offered on a limited basis and will be advertised separately. If available, full details will be set out on the relevant programme pages above.

Candidates interested in a training contract with us in Singapore should apply to the summer vacation scheme, as this provides the primary opportunity to gain insight into our work, culture and training, and is the pathway into our trainee intake.

How many applications can I submit per year?

Candidates can only apply for one opportunity each recruitment cycle.

All opportunities require you to submit an online application and complete the online experience. If you do not pass the online experience, you will have to wait until the next recruitment cycle to reapply. Additionally, applications are not reviewed on a rolling basis.

What are the academic requirements for the summer vacation scheme?

We expect individuals to be on track for a 2:1 degree (or equivalent) and to have at least 136 UCAS points (AAB) at A-level (or equivalent).

We do take mitigating circumstances into account, including those relating to a disability, which may have affected your grades either at school or university, and there is a space on the application form to include these.

Do you mind where I study the PGDL, LPC or SQE?

Those who have accepted a training contract prior to starting law school must study the PGDL at BPP Law School. You may study at BPP’s London or UK regional centres, and those outside London may choose to study in person or online (subject to availability). We are happy to discuss any extenuating circumstances affecting where you can study.

All trainees in Singapore will train via the SQE route at BPP Law School in Holborn, alongside their intake peers. We have partnered with BPP to deliver a bespoke SQE preparation course, launched in September 2023, with much of the teaching delivered in person.

What is the structure of the SQE preparation course?

The SQE preparation course is a 12- month course during which you will prepare for, and sit, the SQE1 and SQE2 assessments. The first 15 weeks of the course will be spent preparing for the SQE1 assessment, with the following part of the course focusing on SQE2 preparation and the delivery of our bespoke ‘Essentials for Practice’ course content, to really prepare you for life at A&O Shearman and the transition to starting your training with us. An image of the SQE preparation course learning journey/timeline is available here. If you are a non-law graduate, you will complete the PGDL before the SQE preparation course.

I didn’t study law or at a UK university. Can I still apply, and what are my options?

Yes, you can still apply. We welcome applications from non‑law students and from candidates who did not study at a UK university.

If you have not studied law, or if you studied law overseas and do not hold a recognised UK qualifying law degree, you will usually complete the Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL). The PGDL is an eight‑month programme that ensures you are well prepared to begin the SQE alongside UK law graduates.

Alternatively, some candidates may choose to take the BPP SQE starter course and assessment. This course prepares you for BPP’s admissions test, which assesses foundational legal knowledge. Achieving a mark of 50% or above allows entry onto the SQE preparation courses without completing the PGDL. Further information is on the SQE website.

If you are offered a training contract with us, we will work closely with you to determine the most appropriate qualification pathway for your background.

Do you provide financial assistance?

Yes. If you accept an offer of an A&O Shearman training contract, we will provide financial support in the form of a maintenance grant and will also pay your Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) course fees. If you are required to study the Post Graduate Diploma in Law (PGDL), we will also cover your course fees and provide an additional maintenance grant. Our goal is to create a positive, supportive environment where everyone can thrive, adapting to whatever the future may bring.

I have a disability, are you able to provide adjustments and/or support?

Yes, we provide adjustments because we want you to be able to demonstrate your full potential during the recruitment process. It is advisable to inform us as soon as possible about the adjustments you may require to ensure that they are implemented on time.

Will AI review my application?

We do not use AI at any point during our recruitment process; all assessments and decisions are made by our team.

We know there are differing opinions surrounding the use of AI when creating an application, so we want to share some guidance on what we believe is the best and most suitable way to utilise AI. We’re not prescribing a list of dos and don’ts but instead offering some insight and guidance for you to take forward.

OUR ADVICE FOR USING AI IN THE APPLICATION PROCESS

Get in touch

If you have any unanswered questions, please contact the graduate recruitment team.

EMAIL OUR EARLY CAREERS RECRUITMENT TEAM

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